be off one’s nana—(Austral. sl.) be mentally deranged: We’ve learned to laugh at our predicament. If we hadn’t we’d all be off our nanas. lose one’s nana—(Austral. sl.) lose one’s temper: Lost my nana with a couple of customers tonight and wish I hadn’t.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be off one’s legs and Be run off one’s legs
be off one’s legs—be resting: She didn’t know how long she could manage it, but for the time being at least she was off her legs. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase be on one’s legs—(also: be on one’s feet) 1. be standing up while working: His sciatica bothers him […]
Difference between Be of one mind and Be single-minded
be of one mind—(of two or more people) be in complete agreement; think alike: Upon sober reflection, I cannot say that I am of one mind with the pastor. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase be in two minds—(also: be in twenty minds) feel doubtful or hesitate about smth.: I […]
Difference between Be none of someone’s business and Have no business to do something
be none of someone’s business—said of smth. that does not concern a person: She’s not his girlfriend, and this matter is none of his business. have no business to do smth.—have no right to do smth.: This woman had no business to publish his private letters to her.
Difference between Be nobody’s business and Like nobody’s business
be nobody’s business—said of smth. that does not concern anyone: I look like death warmed up and what I feel is nobody’s business. like nobody’s business —(coll.) said of an activity done with great energy or enthusiasm: “He can sing like nobody’s business,” said Stoker.
Difference between Be nettled and Be on nettles
be nettled—be vexed or angered: Becker was nettled at the groan from those around the table. “I know it’s a lot of money, but this is necessary.” be on nettles—be impatient or anxious: Some of them were on nettles till they learned your name was Dickson. Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the phrase […]
Difference between Be mixed up and Mix it up
be mixed up —(coll.) be confused in one’s feelings: No wonder the boy turned criminal, he had been mixed up all through his childhood. mix it up —(sl.) argue or exchange criticisms; quarrel vigorously: Shaffer was aggressive and didn’t mind mixing it up when she had to.
Difference between Be milk toast and Be toast
be milk toast—(U.S. sl., pejor.) be a timid person who is afraid to assert himself: He will have frequent battles with hospital officials…. A doctor who never gets into scraps with those around him is a milk toast. be toast—(U.S. sl.) said of a person who will not succeed or will be in deep trouble: […]
Difference between Be loath to do something and Loathe doing something
be loath to do something—be unwilling to do smth.: Perhaps you have to ease back on your workload, something most physicians are loath to do. loathe doing something—have an intense aversion for doing smth.: Thank you for leaving the kitchen so clean and tidy, a job I loath doing after a party.
Difference between Be loaded and Be loaded for bear
be loaded—(U.S. sl.) 1. be under the influence of drugs or alcohol: I’m not loaded. I’m just a little tipsy. 2. be very rich: Mr. Wilson is loaded, but he is also generous with his money. be loaded for bear—(U.S. sl.) 1. = be loaded 1: Marines are always loaded for bear, and get nicked […]
Difference between Be left in peace and Rest in peace
be left in peace—be free from interference or coercion: These men should be left in peace for they have served their time. rest in peace—(euph.) said of smb. dead and buried: My grandparents, who now rest in peace, loved Halloween.
Difference between Be laid low and Lie low
be laid low— 1. (of a disease or injury) cause a person to take to bed: I’ve been laid low with this cough most of the winter. 2. be defeated or forced into a humble position: Kidd was laid low by an incredible run of sheer bad luck. Note: a) The expression does not correlate […]